Asus TUF VG259QM Monitor Review: Ultimate 280Hz Gaming

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Asus TUF VG259QM
Editor's Choice
(Image: © Asus)

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Uncalibrated – Maximum Backlight Level

We’ve rounded up some of the fastest monitors in our database to compare the VG259QM’s performance. In the 25-inch class is the HP Omen X 25f and Acer Predator XN253Q. Also here are three speedy 27-inchers with VA panels: the Samsung C27RG5, Gigabyte G27QC and ViewSonic Elite XG270QC. 

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Asus TUF VG259QM
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

The VG259QM managed to top 400 nits in SDR mode (401.2 nits). This is more than enough light for any indoor space., and you could even use this monitor outdoors with ease. Luckily, there is enough range in the backlight settings to bottom out at 60 nits if you prefer to play in the dark.

The VG259QM has a latest-generation IPS panel, so we’re not surprised to see relatively low black levels. It beats the two TN screens in the group but lags behind the VA panels -- also, no surprise. At 1,080.2:1, the VG259QM’s contrast is a little better than the average IPS monitor. 

After Calibration to 200 nits

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Asus TUF VG259QM
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

After our calibration to 200 nits (see our recommended calibration settings on page 1), the VG259QM maintained its lead in the black level contest over the TN screens with a decent 0.2-nit score.Our calibration also increased dynamic range slightly to 1,139.8:1. This is one of the better test results we’ve seen for an IPS panel. The VG259QM definitely has a little more image depth than the HP and Acer displays here. 

The VG259QM impressed us further in the ANSI test with an excellent 1,150.6:1 score. In the IPS and TN world, it doesn’t get much better. Typically, only a VA monitor manages to score above 1,000:1 in this benchmark. Our sample had decent screen uniformity, which helps here. 

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Christian Eberle
Christian Eberle
Contributing Editor

Christian Eberle is a Contributing Editor for Tom's Hardware US. He's a veteran reviewer of A/V equipment, specializing in monitors. Christian began his obsession with tech when he built his first PC in 1991, a 286 running DOS 3.0 at a blazing 12MHz. In 2006, he undertook training from the Imaging Science Foundation in video calibration and testing and thus started a passion for precise imaging that persists to this day. He is also a professional musician with a degree from the New England Conservatory as a classical bassoonist which he used to good effect as a performer with the West Point Army Band from 1987 to 2013. He enjoys watching movies and listening to high-end audio in his custom-built home theater and can be seen riding trails near his home on a race-ready ICE VTX recumbent trike. Christian enjoys the endless summer in Florida where he lives with his wife and Chihuahua and plays with orchestras around the state.

4 Comments Comment from the forums
  • nofanneeded
    FHD gaming in 2020 is not acceptable :P the same way 800x600 screens are not made anymore today , also FHD should disappear and Monitors should start from 1440P.

    Enough already monitor makers ! Enough !
    Reply
  • plas7208
    We need OLED monitors, not TN or IPS. This is old school for sure
    Reply
  • nofanneeded
    plas7208 said:
    We need OLED monitors, not TN or IPS. This is old school for sure

    Get OLED TV from LG will be alot cheaper than monitors for PC .
    Reply
  • svs1512acxs
    What is minimal brightness candell on white fone?
    Reply